June Hironimus, Volunteer Coordinator, Says Goodbye

26 September 2012 by SGT Timothy Frey

VIPS COORDINATOR HANDS OVER THE REINS

In June of 2004, June Hironimus answered a newspaper ad posted by the Lancaster City Police. The department was looking for a coordinator for the newly-formed Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. June was up for the challenge and contacted then Lieutenant Steve Skiles and threw her hat in the ring. A short time later, June was appointed to the position by Chief William Heim and she was off and running. With 42+ years of experience as a Registered Nurse, June knew that she could coordinate a group of volunteers. Her last 21 years were spent at Wernersville State Hospital in Berks County. With her master’s degree she was a nurse manager and frequently worked with unions. In addition, she developed programs for mental health patients such as personal care, grooming, and job interview techniques.

As the VIPS coordinator, June managed between 25 and 30 volunteers who performed tasks such as data entry of warrants, working in crime prevention, assisting the records division, follow up interviews with crime victims and front desk greeters. In addition, she provided a volunteer to assist the Lancaster City Fire Department. Currently there are a handful of volunteers at the department who provide a variety of services.

So why is June moving on and passing the reins to Mary Ann Charles, who as a volunteer manages the website for Lancaster City-County Crime Stoppers? “This,” she says, as she simply displays a picture of her 21-month old granddaughter, Sophia, sitting on her lap. “I finally have a granddaughter and I want to spend time with her.”

When asked how she would sum up her time with LCPD as the VIPS coordinator, June said, “This has been a worthwhile, positive, life-changing experience. It was a challenge, but it allowed me to see the behind-the-scenes work of the police department. I worked with so many great people and I would do it all over again.”

So long June! Thank you for your service to the department and you can leave knowing that Mary Ann will carry on your mission. All of us here at LCPD hope that you and Sophia enjoy many, many happy years together.